Japan Establishes Expert Panel to Address Recent Wildfire Crisis

The Japanese government has launched an expert panel to investigate the causes of recent widespread wildfires, convened by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency and the Forestry Agency. The panel will examine factors contributing to fire spread, enhance fire department capabilities, and draft findings by summer. Notably, the panel head expressed concern over the recent spike in wildfires after a previous decline.

The Japanese government has established an expert panel to investigate the recent widespread wildfires. This initiative, initiated by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency along with the Forestry Agency, had its inaugural meeting on Friday to address the alarming frequency of these incidents.

Recent wildfires have impacted various prefectures, including Iwate, Okayama, and Ehime, with a significant fire in Ofunato City consuming approximately 2,900 hectares, equating to around 9% of the city. Over 200 buildings suffered damage during this event.

Panel members have proposed examining the burning rates of branches and leaves. There is a consensus that the rapid fire spread may be exacerbated by fires in the tree canopy, which has a high concentration of foliage and branches.

Experts highlighted the challenges posed by residential areas located near foothills, where the complex terrain influences localized airflow and weather patterns. The panel aims to evaluate these factors along with strategies to enhance fire department capabilities.

A report summarizing their findings and recommendations is anticipated by summer. Sekizawa Ai, panel chief and leader of the Japan Association of Fire Protection Engineers, expressed surprise over the surge in wildfires, noting a prior decline in such incidents. He emphasized the need for a thorough analysis to prevent future occurrences.

In summary, the Japanese government has taken proactive steps to understand the causes behind the recent wildfires by establishing an expert panel. With a focus on wildfire dynamics, the influence of environment on fire spread, and improving fire response capabilities, the panel aims to deliver comprehensive recommendations by summer. This initiative reflects a commitment to preventing future wildfires in Japan, especially given the unexpected increase in incidents this year.

Original Source: www3.nhk.or.jp